Synopsis from Kids Can Press:
The global ocean is in trouble. This beautiful and important book explores the issues — and what we can do to help.
Though we think of Earth’s five oceans as separate and distinct, they are actually a linked system of circulating water that is one single ocean — the global ocean. This comprehensive and accessible overview explores the global ocean’s enormous influence on the planet, as well as humans’ often-detrimental influence on the ocean. But it also highlights some of the many ways people are working to restore and heal the global ocean — from everyday actions to large institutional projects — making the message of urgency as hopeful as it is accurate. Filled with fascinating information, stunning visuals and plenty of calls to action, readers will be inspired to discover what they can do to help heal Earth’s most important feature and, ultimately, our planet.
Bestselling author Rochelle Strauss applies a positive, proactive approach to the urgent topics of climate change and ocean conservation in this gorgeous and unique depiction of the global ocean, based on the most current ocean science research. Engaging illustrations on every spread by award-winning Natasha Donovan are eye-catching and powerful. Examples of real people of all ages making a difference can be found in sidebars on each spread with more at the back of the book. Two sections list ways to help, one for children and one for the adults in their lives. There are many curriculum links in earth and life sciences, particularly in climate, environment, habitats, ecosystems and diversity of living things. Part of the CitizenKid series, this book encourages citizenship and engaging in the global community.
About: The Global Ocean is a children’s nonfiction written by Rochelle Strauss and illustrated by Natasha Donovan. It was published on 5/3/2022 by Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, hardcover, 36 pages. The genres are juvenile nonfiction, science & nature, and environmental science & ecosystem. This book is intended for readers ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. This book is part of a series called Citizen Kid (A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens). According to Kids Can Press’ website, it is “the largest Canadian-owned children’s publisher in the world.” The Toronto-based publisher has variety of books for all readers, from picture books to non-fiction, graphic novels, young adult, and more. Please see below for more information about the author, illustrator, and publisher.
My Experience: I started reading The Global Ocean for my toddler’s bedtime on 5/3/2022 and finished it on 5/4/2022. We have since read it again every day per her request. My toddler loved the Anglerfish from this book for some reason and it’s cool that Google has 3D view of it among other animals. My son looked it up and we all learned that the fish lives way deep in the ocean that’s why it has a headlight of its own. It’s my toddler’s ritual to turn to the page below to name all sea animals including Anglerfish before go to sleep. (I thought I would have a nightmare because the fish is scary to look at before going to sleep). This book was an amazing read. Definitely informative and easy to understand. I loved the section that talked about what people around the world are doing to reduce harm to the environment. I am aware of the plastic problems and corals dying but I was not aware of the cost of coastline and acidification. The illustrations were fantastic and helpful when reading this book. I loved the extra bubbles of information and an illustration of what seagrasses, volcano sponges, and underwater geysers are.
This book opened up to a beautiful illustration of the sunset and waves. The start of this book explained how the five different oceans such as Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean all are connected just like a human heart and how it pumped blood throughout our body to keep us alive. Next page gave readers a short history about how earth obtained all of its water, 97%. There’s a true story about rubber ducks, how it was spilled from shipping containers and where it ended up. This accident spilled became a science experiment. Moving onward, readers will learn that the very first life on earth started in the ocean. The ocean has a huge diversity of species. As the story move forward, readers will learn about how human activities impacted the ocean and oftentimes it’s harmful for the ocean and its habitants. There are sections on each page informing readers that people around the world are taking action to reduce harm to the ocean. These changes range from beach clean up day, renewable energy, art activism, to ban single-use of plastic, and etc.
The Global Ocean was well written and illustrated. Very good educational material for kids outside of school. I had my 10 year old read this book too. The illustration was great to show kids doing their part to save the ocean. Readers may think they are too young to make a difference but seeing kids in the illustrations, it will inspire young readers to do something. The cover of this book is gorgeous. I would recommend this read for both adults and kids because it’s easier to understand the basics before looking for more advanced information. I will definitely check out other books in this Citizen Kid series because I love nonfiction read!
Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or Kids Can Press’ website
I rate it 5 stars!
About the Author & Illustrator:
Rochelle Strauss is an award-winning author, freelance writer and education consultant in Toronto, Ontario. A graduate of McGill University and York University, Rochelle specializes in the development and implementation of environmental education, communication and outreach initiatives. Rochelle has consulted on national and international projects and her clients have included museums, architects, designers, parks, NGO’s, governments, schools and school boards.
In addition to her consulting work, Rochelle is also an accomplished children’s author. Her first book, Tree of Life: the Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (Kids Can Press 2004), has received several book honors and has been published in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Korea and Egypt.
One Well: the Story of Water on Earth (Kids Can Press, 2007), Rochelle’s second book, was released in early 2007. Endorsed by Jean-Michel Cousteau (Founder and President Ocean Futures Society, Inc.), Maude Barlow (Chair, Council of Canadians and author of Blue Gold) and Charles Hopkins (UNESCO & UN University Chairs, York University), rights to One Well have already been sold in Australia, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
An enthusiastic presenter, Rochelle truly enjoys the many opportunities she has had to participate in festivals, conferences and school presentations across North America.
Through her work, Rochelle combines her love of nature and passion for stories to teach children about the wonders of the natural world. Among her favorite animals are dolphins, nudibranchs, bromeliads, penguins … and, of course, her son. (Photo obtained from the author’s website and info obtained from Kids Can Press’ website, book photos obtained from Edelweiss).
Natasha Donovan is an award-winning illustrator originally from Vancouver, British Columbia. She is a member of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. Natasha now lives on a tiny farm along with several wonderful creatures — both of the human and the nonhuman variety — in Deming, Washington. (Photo obtained from the Illustrator’s website and info obtained from Kids Can Press’ website).
More Information about Kids Can Press
Website: http://www.kidscanpress.com | Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidscanpress Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KidsCanBooks | Twitter: https://twitter.com/kidscanpress
***Many thanks to Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine
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